47 A.D.2d 127 | N.Y. App. Div. | 1975
The instant lawsuits are the result of an accident occurring on July SI, ¡1970 when an automobile participating in a stock car race sponsored by and held at premises of defendant Spencer ¡Speedway, Inc., went out of control and crashed into the bleachers located in the “pit” area, causing several deaths, including that of James Reitano, and injuring numerous other people, including ¡Clifford L. Kotary and his minor son, Robert E. Kotary. The ■1 pit ’ ’ area located at the north end of the oval racetrack was provided for the racing vehicles before, during and after the races. In addition, it appears that spectators, who were not directly participating in the races, were allowed entrance into the “ pit ” area and bleachers were erected for their convenience. ¡
All persons wishing to enter the “ pit ” area, whether as spectators or otherwise, were required to pay an additional $1 admission charge and sign a release form entitled “ this is a remase ’ ’ in bold type with the same phrase printed numerous times in the area where the signature is subscribed. The form further provides: “ This agreement is signed for the purpose of fully and completely releasing, discharging and indemnifying from all liability as herein described, all the parties mentioned as being released 'and indemnified hereby. ” It is also significant that the release form specifically covers those in the capacity of being “ spectators.”
Appellant 'Clifford L. Kotary, on behalf of his infant son, commenced an action against ¡Spencer Speedway, Inc. to recover damages for injuries sustained by said son as well as seeking recovery on his derivative cause of action, as father of the infant plaintiff, for medical expenses incurred in connection therewith. Appellant Marion E. Reitano, individually and as administratrix of the goods, chattels and credits of James Reitano, deceased, also commenced an action against Spencer Speedway, Inc., its officers and owners, and the driver of the car involved in the accident to recover for the death of plaintiff’s intestate. ¡Spencer ¡Speedway, Inc. moved for summary judgment in each case on the grounds that the release signed by James Reitano was a complete defense to plaintiff Reitano’s cause of action and that the release signed by Clifford L. Kotary constituted a complete release of the derivative cause of action alleged by said plaintiff. Special Term granted orders of summary judgment of dismissal of both actions, from which orders appeals are here taken.
Special Term’s summary dismissal of appellant Notary’s derivative cause of action based upon his execution of a release form upon his admission to the “pit” area was, however, in error. An action by a parent to recover pecuniary loss sustained by reason of injuries inflicted upon his child is derivative in nature to the extent that it depends upon the right of the child to recover for his injuries (Reilly v. Rawleigh, 245 App. Div. 190, 191). Such cause of action by a parent draws its life from the existence of the cause of action which inures to the benefit of the infant (Georgetti v. 29 Holding Corp., 31 N. Y. S. 2d 998,1000).
The instant release herein contains a significant limitation of its operative effect, confined to those claims of the releasor ‘ ‘ by reason of any injury suffered * * * iby virtue of his ■being upon said premises, or engaging in any of the activities above mentioned” (i.e., spectator status). Therefore, considering the nature of the father’s derivative cause of action and the afore-quoted limitation provision contained in the release, it cannot be held that said cause of action was by reason of the father’s presence upon the premises as a spectator. Rather,
¡Special Term’s order ¡dismissing the Kotary derivative action should, therefore, he reversed and the motion for summary judgment denied.
■Motile, J. P., Simons, Goldman and Wither, JJ., concur.
Order unanimously reversed without costs and motion denied.
Judgment unanimously affirmed without costs.